If there ever was any clarity about the Heisman Trophy race in the minds of voters, it's almost certainly gone now. There's too many clouds hanging over Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston and Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel for anybody to have a clear view of the outcome.

Until further notice, it appears Winston has moved from award front-runner to Heisman back burner. How can voters be in anything but a holding pattern, as Winston's culpability in a sexual assault investigation moves from being a potential suspect to the only suspect?

A week ago, Winston was a person of interest. His lawyer, Tim Jansen, then insisted his client did nothing wrong, though he provided no details. Then after ESPN reported late Wednesday that authorities matched Winston's voluntary DNA sample to the alleged victim's underwear, Jansen called a news conference Thursday to say they had consensual sex.

Nobody should presume guilt in what is so far a his-lawyer-said, her-lawyer-said case. But the unavoidable truth is Winston joins Manziel — for a more alarming reason — in a Heisman voter conundrum. Despite impressive statistics on the field, will voters in good conscience be able to put college football's biggest marquee names on their ballot? Or do they turn to safer candidates without any off-the-field issues, like quarterbacks AJ McCarron (Alabama), Bryce Petty (Baylor) and Marcus Mariota (Oregon)?

Ever since 2005 winner Reggie Bush was forced to vacate his trophy due to violating NCAA rules, voters want to avoid another giveback.

If Winston isn't exonerated before the Dec. 9 voting deadline, the electorate (myself included) is put in a tough spot. This is a felony we're talking about, not marijuana possession or underage drinking.

Fair or not, it's understandable why some voters — ESPN's Robert Smith stated he won't vote for Winston unless he's not charged with sexual assault — are reluctant to put the FSU quarterback on their ballot.

Manziel could also be taken off many ballots. Last year's Heisman recipient was given a dubious half-game suspension by the NCAA because he signed memorabilia from which dealers could make enormous profits. It's highly suspect that Manziel traveled around the country to sign autographs without receiving compensation himself, though it was never proved he took money. Still, I'm leaning toward leaving him off my ballot.

Unless the State Attorney's Office decides in the next two weeks not to charge him, Winston is in Heisman limbo. I'm not ready to put him No. 1 or exclude him. Hopefully, authorities can clear up this mess one way or another.